Molecular and Serological Evaluation of Bovine Leukemia Virus in Water Buffaloes of Southern Iran

BACKGROUND: Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is an oncogenic deltaretrovirus causing a persistent lifelong infection of B lymphocytes. In addition to the domestic cattle, the virus can also infect water buffaloes. OBJECTIVES: Recent investigations have demonstrated the increasing prevalence of BLV infection among cattle population in Iran. Large populations of water buffaloes are also kept in different parts of Iran for milk and meat purposes. Considering economic losses induced by BLV infection in buffalo and more importantly the role of this species in virus epidemiology, the present study has investigated the BLV infection in Iranian water buffalo population. METHODS: Seroprevalence and occurrence of BLV was investigated in water buffalo population (n=100) in Khuzestan province, Southwest Iran by ELISA and nested PCR, targeting gp51 region in the envgene. RESULTS: In total, 52 samples were seropositive and represented the antibodies against BLV gp51 protein in ELISA test. Forty-seven out of 52 seropositive samples were confirmed by nested PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Such a high rate of BLV infection in water buffaloes is an alarming issue for both its eco- nomic impact due to the production losses and more importantly the epidemiological aspects in which the virus circulation among different host species will complicate the control and prevention strategies.